Sector/Divisional Controller - Utilities & Rail

LJA offers an exciting opportunity that allows you to reach your full career potential. The structure of our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while providing the benefits of being an employee-owner. Collaborate daily with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders, whether in the office, in the field, or behind the scenes. Grow through hands-on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.

What Makes LJA Different

• Employee-owned and client-focused
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace
• Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and industry-specific marketing department
• Flexibility allowing teams and offices to lead with their proven approach
• Culture that champions continuous learning and personal growth
• Success driven by constant evolution and communication
• Passionate about having fun, making money, and creating impact

About the Role

As the Sector/Divisional Controller – Utilities & Rail, you will oversee all project accounting across a portfolio of construction-focused subsidiaries within an ~$800 million organization. This role acts as a key business partner to sector operational leadership, project managers, and corporate finance, overseeing approximately $125M-$150M in annual revenue. Reporting to the Corporate Controller, you will ensure the integrity of sector financial reporting, month-end close activities, project accounting oversight, billing and collections coordination, balance sheet reconciliations, internal controls, and compliance with company policies and U.S. GAAP. Drive consistency, visibility, and financial discipline across a multi-state AEC operating environment while developing a high-performing accounting team.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day project accounting operations for the Utilities and Rail sectors, including month-end close, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Partner with sector leaders and project managers to monitor project performance, including backlog, work in process, unbilled receivables, write-offs, change orders, and cost overruns.
• Ensure proper accounting and reporting associated with retainage, mobilization, and contract billing structures.
• Prepare timely and accurate sector-level financial statements, management reports, variance analyses, and other decision-support reporting for the Corporate Controller and business leadership.
• Support bonding capacity requirements through accurate financial reporting.
• Assist with implementation of ERP systems and software, including access, design, and setup as needed.
• Lead or support integration of newly acquired subsidiaries, including alignment of accounting practices and procedures.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and standard operating procedures to support compliance, consistency, and scalability across multiple states and operating units.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, responding to requests, and ensuring documentation is complete and accurate.
• Collaborate with tax, payroll, AP, AR, and corporate accounting teams on cross-functional issues, including intercompany activity, allocations, and process improvements.
• Coach, develop, and review the work of 10-15 project accountants and accounting staff supporting the Utilities and Rail sectors.
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting, data quality, automation, and workflow efficiency within the accounting function.
• Perform other accounting leadership duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibility in a controller, assistant controller, accounting manager, or similar role.
• Experience in the architecture, engineering, consulting, construction, or broader professional services environment, with a strong understanding of project-based accounting.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing multi-entity or multi-state accounting operations and applying sound internal control practices.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, account reconciliations, audit support, and compliance requirements.
• Deep understanding of project lifecycle accounting, including revenue recognition, billing, collections, backlog, work in process, and project profitability analysis.
• Ability to translate financial data into actionable insights for operational leaders and executive stakeholders.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities, with strong communication and cross-functional partnership skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with ERP and project accounting systems used in the AEC or professional services industry.
• Preferred systems experience includes BST, UNANET, Deltek, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Trimble Spectrum/Viewpoint, or similar ERP and project accounting platforms used in the AEC industry.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets, along with mental health support.
• Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave.
• Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in-house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral Bonuses: Rewards for referring great talent.
• Community Impact: Company-sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
• Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations.
• Career Growth: Internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
• Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, and more.